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The Best Afternoon Tea at London’s Luxury Hotels

From the charmingly traditional to the daringly different, this is the best afternoon tea in London

9 August 2016

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Looking for a classically British way to pass an afternoon in the capital? There’s no better way to treat yourself than taking afternoon tea in London. From the charmingly traditional to the daringly different, our collection of luxury hotels offers plenty of choice for the most indulgent of English pastimes…

Upon entering this upscale hotel opposite Kensington Palace and gardens, breathe in the regal atmosphere and wonder at its enveloping splendour. As afternoon tea in London goes, this hotel deserves a place in the hall of fame. Sup your selected tea alongside a bountiful offering of finger sandwiches and sweet delicacies served in the restaurant, the magnificent black and white conservatory or spacious lounge. The exquisite flavours of the sweet treats on offer linger on the palate long after the final crumb has been devoured.

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The Kensington, situated in one of the most elite addresses in London, has long been a favourite with culture vultures and shoppers alike, with the V&A and Harrods both within easy reach. The afternoon tea here is renowned for its traditional elegance, and you have the choice of rare teas or Champagne to accompany the superb sandwiches and delicacies on the menu.

If you time it right, you can also find seasonal themed afternoon teas to celebrate various London events, from exhibitions at the V&A to The RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The Kensington also offers a ‘Healthy Tea’ for those who prefer their afternoon tea gluten-free.

Relax and absorb the Neo-Georgian splendour of your surroundings at this refined hotel in leafy Bloomsbury. Inspired by original recipes from the 1920s and ’30s, the afternoon tea is a favourite with shoppers at the nearby boutique shops of Covent Garden. Sink into a comfortable sofa or step onto the striking new Dalloway Terrace to sample the sweets, scones and sandwiches served.

The Marylebone manages to maintain an air of intimate hospitality despite its vast size and glamorous appearance. No stay is complete without trying the superb afternoon tea served in the trendy 108 Pantry. Choose from the Classic, Gluten-Free or Indulgent Tea, all of which delight. An accompanying Lady Jasmine cocktail, made from iced jasmine tea, melon, ginger, lemon and elderflower, will leave you feeling extra refreshed.

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Treat yourself in one of the most joyous and creative hotels in the West End. Sanderson’s speciality is the aptly named Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, an alternative take on the traditional afternoon tea. Expect pocket watch macaroons and crab eclairs served alongside tailor-made teas. Even the crockery fits the theme, decorated with carousels, birdcages and other delights associated with the Lewis Carroll classic Alice in Wonderland.

The Athenaeum, a recently refurbished gem on busy Piccadilly, promises first-rate service and accommodation. Afternoon tea is a big deal here, and they have it down to a fine art. Carefully sourced Cumbrian ham and Devonshire clotted cream steal the show at this delightfully English affair. The hotel also caters for gluten-free guests, and those looking for an upgrade can enjoy a glass of Champagne with their food.

Housed in a beautiful Grade II listed building, Sofitel London St James is just a five minutes’ walk from Buckingham Palace. Classic British style and French flair combine to create a scintillating base from which to explore the capital. Choose from a huge range of exclusive teas, from the rare and far-flung to the more familiar varieties. Scones arrive with delicious clotted cream, strawberry jam and lemon curd. Served in the plush Rose Lounge, this afternoon tea is a treat for all the senses.

You can find this elegant hotel in one of London’s most prestigious neighbourhoods. Egerton House Hotel offers supreme levels of service, comfort and quality in plush surroundings. The afternoon tea is as comforting and tasteful as the individually decorated bedrooms. Sample a delicious array of finger sandwiches, pastries and scones complemented by a range of mouth-watering home-made preserves.

The Mandeville Hotel achieves a perfect balance between old school sophistication and a kind of progressive quirkiness that’s difficult to articulate. Its prime position just minutes from Oxford Street’s many shops makes it a great destination for afternoon tea in London, perhaps after a visit to Selfridges. Choose from the Vintage Tea, a delicate afternoon tea with all the frills or the popular Gentleman’s Tea, which abandons sandwiches of the cucumber variety in favour of steak, snails and rarebit.

This is a hotel with a beautiful yet eccentric sense of character. Once frequented by 19th-century aristocrats, it now offers a striking and dramatic setting for the tastiest of afternoon teas. Quintessential English pastries and finger sandwiches have been given a subtle French twist, and a selection of fine Champagne is on offer to complement your food. The visually stunning Flower Tea, inspired by Chef Alexis Gauthier’s love of flora, is a must.

The newest luxury spa hotel in London oozes timeless yet understated glamour in a perfect Knightsbridge location. The afternoon tea is as much in-keeping with the Bulgari aesthetic as the silver and marble surroundings. Finger sandwiches and chic little delicacies are made with the freshest of ingredients and change seasonally to ensure the highest quality.

A regal hotel found opposite Buckingham Palace, 41 is steeped in history, finery and sheer opulence. The afternoon tea is available to book for hotel residents only, which is all the more reason to stay in this swanky private hotel. On offer here is an expansive range of black and fruit teas, cakes and sandwiches. The adorably named Mini Bunny Chow, a delicious nibble which originated in South Africa, is especially tasty.

This hotel is sleek and smart, managing to feel like an intimate escape despite being just steps from the busiest street in London. The Royal Afternoon Tea is a riot of colour and class. The moreish Stilton straws are a highlight, and the jaw-dropping Battenberg tastes as good as it looks, which is no mean feat.

This hotel is perfectly positioned beside the River Thames and epitomises the class and grandeur of the Victorian era. Dazzling chandeliers illuminate your passage into The Lounge where the ultimate of afternoon teas is served. The Royal Horseguards Afternoon Tea is a thing of wonder, served with their unique blend leaf tea “Strawberries and Cream”.

You can’t help but feel hip and happening upon entering this town house hotel overlooking the Thames in pretty Richmond. Refreshingly simple, made with the highest quality ingredients, the afternoon tea is a joyous affair. After eating here you’ll be dreaming of their chicken and black truffle sandwiches and delicious peach melba trifles for weeks. Gluten-free and dairy-free options are available.

Christine Vibrans is a writer based in North East England. She loves travel and fine dining and is a keen supporter of wildlife conservation. Her next trip is planned for Cuba.